U.S. Under-17 MNT Ties Mexico 1-1, Takes Second Place at 2012 AGS Cup

U-17 MNTOct 6, 2012

LA NUNCIA, Spain (Oct. 6, 2012) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team earned a 1-1 draw against Mexico on Saturday and finished in second place at the 2012 AGS Cup in Spain after ending the five-game tournament level on total points with Mexico, but trailing in goal differential.

The result marks the second straight year the U-17 MNT has finished in second place at the AGS Cup, and the second consecutive year Mexico has won the tournament.

Needing a win against Mexico, the U.S. couldn’t capitalize on two chances from inside the box as the team saw a penalty kick miss the target and failed to convert an indirect free kick inside the box following a six-second violation on Mexico’s goalkeeper.

Alejandro Diaz Liceaga gave Mexico an early lead in the 27th minute after scoring from an indirect free kick inside the penalty box after U.S. goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell was whistled for taking longer than six seconds to put the ball back into play.

Forward Rubio Rubin found the equalizer for the U.S. in the 56th minute. The U-17 MNT ended the tournament with a record of 3-1-1 with 10 points.

Along with the second-place finish, defender Shaquell Moore, Rubin and Caldwell all earned spots on the tournament’s Best XI team. Ahinga Selemani and Rubin ended the tournament with two goals apiece to lead the U-17 MNT.

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team is back in action from Oct. 18-29 in Argentina for a four-team tournament, plus an international friendly. More details, along with the roster announcement from head coach Richie Williams, will be announced at a later date.